Alaska Fishing Regulations
Perhaps more so than any other fishery in the country, Alaska depends on its rules and regulations to protect its unique fishing opportunities. Any angler planning a fishing trip should make themselves aware of the regulations for the area they plan to fish, along with the species they're going after.
The state and federal regulations aim to balance the interests of a powerful commercial fishing industry against those of the equally important Alaska sport fishing industry for the health, well-being and pleasure of all. While local regulations are dependent on species and location, there are some regulations that apply everywhere in Alaska.
- Emergency Orders always supersede the published regulations. Check the up-to-date orders (Emergency Orders) before finalizing your vacation plans.
- Never fish within 300 feet of a fish ladder or weir (fish trap) unless designated otherwise.
- Do not mark or keep live fish or live fish eggs.
- Selling sport-caught fish is illegal and includes steep penalties.
- Some fish or tails, heads and viscera of others can be used as bait.
- Pay attention to the gear regulations for your fishing area, and leave the explosives and toxicants at home.
- Keep motorized vehicles out of streams and rivers unless you happen to possess a valid Fish Habitat permit.
The state of Alaska promotes proper fishing ethics, too, which means more than just following the regulations. Taking care not to damage the natural environment or pollute (especially since discarded fishing line and hooks can kill wildlife), respecting private property, killing fish humanely, and preserving fish the right way are all important.
The state of Alaska is separated into five different fishing regulation zones: the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim, Bristol Bay, Kodiak and Aleutian Islands Area, Southcentral Alaska and Southeast Alaska. Visit the ADFG website for Alaska fishing regulations by zone.
Alaska Fishing Licenses
Most fishermen need licenses to fish in Alaska. Anyone under the age of 16, residents and nonresidents alike, do not need to purchase a sport fishing license or King salmon stamp. Fishing for King salmon requires a salmon tag. Licenses and tags have different costs for residents and non-residents and can be purchased online. Follow the link to purchase Alaska fishing licenses.
King salmon stamps are required for anyone who fishes for anadromous king salmon except for residents and nonresidents under the age of 16 and residents with a blind fishing license, low income license, Permanent Identification Card license or a disabled Veteran's license.
Sport fishing licenses and king salmon stamps can be printed from home with Internet access and a printer. Otherwise, they are available at license vendors, such as sporting goods stores and grocery stores throughout the state.
Current license and stamp pricing for non-residents are shown below (2009).
- Nonresident 1 Day Sport Fishing License - $20.00
- Nonresident 3 Day Sport Fishing License - $35.00
- Nonresident 7 Day Sport Fishing License - $55.00
- Nonresident 14 Day Sport Fishing License - $80.00
- Nonresident Annual Sport Fishing License - $145.00
- Nonresident Hunting and Sport Fishing License - $230.00
- Nonresident Hunting and 7 Day Sport Fishing License - $140.00
- Nonresident 1 Day King Salmon Stamp - $10.00
- Nonresident 3 Day King Salmon Stamp - $20.00
- Nonresident 7 Day King Salmon Stamp - $30.00
- Nonresident 14 Day King Salmon Stamp - $50.00
- Nonresident Annual King Salmon Stamp - $100.00
Alaska Game Fish >>>
